Jia Xu started his military career as an advisor under Dong
Zhuo in the later years of Emperor Ling’s rule. He was appointed to
Commander Who Pacifies the Capital when Dong Zhuo took Luo Yang and put the
child Emperor Xian on the throne.

When Guo Si, Li Jue, and Fan Chou fled after Wang Yun’s
plot to kill Dong Zhuo succeeded, Jia Xu advised them to separate their forces
and bait Lü Bu into attack them. The strategy was a success and as a
result the three took over Chang An. After taking the city they wanted to
elevate Jia Xu to minister, but Wenhe refused to receive any titles of nobility
and instead took up a post as member of the Secretariat.

Under Cao Cao, Wenhe was promoted to Chief of the Capital
Guard and titled Lord of the Capital Precinct. He was later promoted to Protector
of Yi Zhou.

When Cao Cao’s army was running out of food at Guan
Du, Jia Xu advised Cao Cao to launch one decisive attack on Yuan Shao. Because
of this Cao Cao was able to pacify the land north of the Yellow River.

Wenhe advised Cao Cao to depose the young Cao Zhi and establish
Cao Pi as the heir to his position. When Cao Pi ascended the throne, Jia Xu
was appointed Grand Commandant and titled Lord of Weishou County.

In the fifth year of Yellow Dawn (AD 224), Jia Xu died
of natural causes. He was seventy-seven years of age. Jia Xu was known as
a straightforward and practical man. Cao Pi posthumously titled him Respectful
Lord.

(1) Zhang Ji was a senior Han Officer under Dong
Zhuo and a friend of Jia Xu. After his death, Jia Xu watched over his nephew
and wife. <return>